Frank E. Campbell, a funeral home located in New York City, is known for providing services to celebrities, allowing them to bring in their own makeup artists, hairdressers, and stylists to ensure that A-listers look their best for their final journey. The funeral home, celebrating its 125th anniversary, has arranged services for numerous famous individuals, including John Lennon, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Heath Ledger, and Biggie Smalls. The director of the institution, William Villanova, emphasizes the importance of integrating elements that were significant to the celebrities during their lives, such as their regular makeup artists, hairstylists, or fashion consultants.
The most expensive casket offered by Frank E. Campbell is the Pharaoh sarcophagus, which is priced over $150,000 and is made of cast bronze. Established in 1898 by Frank E. Campbell, the funeral home has a star-studded history that dates back to its first notable viewing in 1926 for actor Rudolph Valentino. The services for Valentino attracted thousands of people, showcasing the funeral home’s significance in celebrity funerals in New York City. Villanova, who has been with the institution for 25 years, highlights the moments where celebrities have been escorted in and out of the funeral home, often attracting curious onlookers.
To protect the privacy and ensure the security of their high-profile clients, Frank E. Campbell hires private jets to transport bodies, creates exclusive guest lists, and collaborates with law enforcement to safeguard the building and its surroundings. The funeral home takes extra steps if a head of state is involved, working closely with anti-crime and anti-terrorism units to secure the premises appropriately. Villanova ensures that the sanctity of the services is maintained, intervening if he sees individuals trying to take photos inside the building. The funeral home has also been featured in the HBO series “Succession,” with Villanova serving as a consultant and even appearing as the funeral director in a scene.
Villanova, who is from Port Chester, NY, and has a background in mortuary science, strives to honor the deceased by going above and beyond to personalize services. He recalls instances where they have brought sand into the funeral home for a person who loved the beach, set up a putting green for a golf enthusiast, and allowed families to bring in motorcycles or classic cars. The funeral home’s four-floor building includes a rooftop terrace, a chapel, and a formal dining room where catered meals can be served to guests. Villanova acknowledges the importance of respecting the wishes of the deceased and their families, ensuring that no phones or recording devices are allowed in certain areas of the building.
The funeral home has accommodated various unique requests, such as bringing sand, motorcycles, or classic cars into the building to honor the deceased. Villanova personally intervenes if he notices individuals trying to take photos inside, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the solemnity of the services. The institution’s recent renovation, including a $20 million update to the chapel, highlights their commitment to providing high-quality and respectful services to their clients. Villanova’s experience as a consultant on the set of “Succession” provided a unique opportunity to showcase the work of Frank E. Campbell and the intricacies involved in organizing celebrities’ funerals.
